Restaurants in Rittenhouse Square (Philadelphia)

Prime Rib

Cuts of prime aged beef, extra-thick chops and simply prepared fresh seafood are the straightforward offerings of this Center City steakhouse. Leopard carpeting, black onyx walls trimmed in gold and tuxedoed waiters create an elegant atmosphere, featuring live piano and bass nightly. The Prime Rib is a great place to entertain clients.

Rouge

Located on Rittenhouse Square, the outdoor seating at Rouge offers a fresh environment to dine on French fare and sip a glass of fine wine. Wines of exquisite vintage enhance the delicate entrees of traditional and contemporary French seafood, poultry and beef dishes. Prices tend to be on the high side but are not exorbitant for a restaurant in the Rittenhouse area. Popular day and night, the casual yet elegant Rouge appeals to sophisticates and culture-seekers of all ages for lunch, dinner or drinks. Restaurateur Neil Stein has given locals a hip spot to enjoy the park's greenery.

Lacroix at the Rittenhouse

Nestled in the Rittenhouse Hotel, Lacroix exudes elegance. Voted as the 'Best Restaurant throughout United States' by Esquire Magazine, this restaurant is truly a delight. Select from carefully prepared 4-course menus for lunch and dinner or simply try out the Raw Bar Specialties and Roasted Monkfish Loin from the Sunday brunch menus. Pair these delicacies with special wine offerings. Don't forget to purchase the Lacroix Chocolate, which has been creatively prepared by Chef Fredrick Ortega. Choose between La Serre (private dining room), Lily's Cafe (semi-private) or the Chef's Table, (located in the restaurant's kitchen) for an unforgettable dining experience.

Irish Pub

High ceilings, a carved cherrywood bar, stained glass and signed photos of Irish-American celebrities enhance the decor of this Center City Irish Pub. The menu features affordable Irish-American fare like Shephard's Pie and homemade Irish soda bread. Private room available for functions. Reservations recommended for parties of seven or more. DJ parties are held W-Sa 9p-11p. There's usually a line to get in on weekend nights.

Saffron Cafe'

Saffron Cafe in Center City hosts a menu with international influences served in the wainscoted dining room of this elegant brownstone, just steps from the Rittenhouse Square. Best bets are crab and corn chowder, marinated lamb chops, grilled sweetbreads. Live jazz every Saturday from 7p-11p.

The Bards

The Irish bartenders in town always talked about football and beer. These days they talk more about bandwidth and modem configuration, but they still know their beer. Caffrey's, Murphy's, Harp's and some of the local micro brews are on tap. There's usually six Irish whiskeys waiting. If you'd like something with your beer, there's a great Atlantic Seafood Chowder. The Bards also offers Irish stew, burgers and four kinds of boxty, an Irish dish of mashed potatoes flavored with shrimp, leeks, chicken, etc.

Boathouse Row Bar

When one wearies of discussing the high culture of the sophisticated Rittenhouse Square district and would rather talk batting averages and basketball, the Boathouse Row Bar offers a pleasant sanctuary. A mural of Philadelphia's famous rowing house area, Boathouse Row, sets a sporty tone. The lacquered wood bar and settings are surrounded by walls of trophies, sculls and a painting of Olympian Jack Kelly. The friendly middle-aged customers come to drink fine cocktails and discuss the athletes of years gone by. Located in The Rittenhouse, don't be put off by the walk through the elegant lobby; this bar is one of the most casual you'll find. Numerous televisions bring patrons international sports. Along with an array of affordable fine beers on tap and full line of spirits, tasty sandwiches and casual American appetizers and entrees are served.

Roy's

Roy Yamaguchi's eatery serves delicious seafood that is the result of fresh ingredients blended sinfully with Hawaiian recipes. Try some of the classic items like Roy's Canoe Appetizer, Yellow Fin Ahi Poketini, and Original Hawaiian Blackened Island Ahi. While relishing your food, do yourself a favor and remember to leave room for the Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé – it's simply divine! The wine list is equally impressive, with a huge variety of sparkling wines, white wines, chardonnays, and merlots to choose from. Open daily 5pm onwards.

Tria

Tria offers its guests a relaxing and intimate environment. It is a mixture between a small bar and a café. On Philadelphia's warm nights, they open the candle-lined bay windows. There are numerous, inexpensive items on the menu ranging from salads to sandwiches. The dessert selections nicely accompany Tria's wine list. This bar-café sets itself apart from other noisy venues in Philadelphia by offering a cozy setup that would be ideal for a date or a relaxing night. Open Monday to Saturday noon onwards.

Meritage

This eclectic restaurant serves a rich combination of mesmerizing cuisine cooked in exotic ingredients. Chef Grant Brown presents an elegant menu that compliments the superb wine collection. The dining room has big comfortable chairs, dim lights, and the walls are done up in warm colors. The wonderful wine cellar is on display near the entrance of the restaurant, and patrons are welcome to make a selection. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday  from 5 p.m.

Amara Cafe

There are exactly 28 seats in this little Thai restaurant. A small, modest place with excellent food, Amara has been a quiet presence in this part of town for a few years now. Its modesty can lead to it being overlooked, which would be unfortunate. The Pad Thai is pleasing, the roast duck crisp, and there are 11 homemade sauces available, if you want to do your own experiments. Amara sets out to be a quiet place for a pleasant meal in the neighborhood, and it succeeds.

Le Jardin

Serving the best from the French delicacies, the Le Jardin makes a sincere effort to provide an authentic Parisian feel. The restaurant, with its carefully designed dining rooms and bar, overlooks a carefully manicured garden. Try out the signature dishes, such as Escargot and Duet of Veal. Check out the prix fixe menus, if you're still hungry. Located in the historic Philadelphia Art Alliance building, this restaurant is the sole caterer to this establishment. So you can be sure of being served the best.